To receive and consider a presentation on the Offer for Key Stage 4.
Minutes:
Background
· The purpose of the report was to examine the current provision of qualifications on offer in schools across Powys.
· Aim to highlight strengths and areas where provision was strong, but also sought to identify areas where development was required.
· To support schools in preparing for the changes being made to the 14-16 qualifications in Wales.
Points raised by the Panel:
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Responses received from Officers or Cabinet Members. |
Question raised as to why Welsh Literature was, and English literature was not noted on the list, both subjects are surely equal, also why were the GCSE’s shown for the 4 core subjects but the Welsh equivalent was not. Whatever the language medium they should be treated equally throughout. |
Welsh literature is an option, even in the Welsh medium settings. Colleagues in the WESP were also consulted as to the best way to present the information. There is a full list which could be shared. The curriculum offer of subjects including vocational subjects was being presented, the Core subjects are those taught regardless of the medium through which a young person is taught. There could be an argument for Triple Science to be included as not an option as such. |
Could the report show just one figure for the number of pupils siting GCSE’s in one year. |
Yes, the data is available and could be shared. |
Had provision been made for the more able and talented pupils, the expectation until recently was that schools provided for those pupils. |
The more able and talented pupils have access to the Seren programme which had recently re-commenced. The Level 2 additional Maths has not had a great uptake recently as a bridging qualification between GCSE and A Level. |
How can there be equity in subject offer across Powys, in both financial terms and staffing resource. |
It was an incredible challenge, particularly in the present financial climate. However, work would continue to be aspirational in what could be offered, ensuring a broad balanced and inclusive range of qualifications. |
In terms of the Welsh Medium Provision why were there numbers of pupils who were following courses through Welsh medium or bilingual, as these could be included with the English stream information. Bilingual classes do not experience a Welsh medium education as the teacher may not be able to complete the class or provide necessary resources. The table gave the impression that Welsh Medium education was catered for. It would be beneficial to know exactly what subjects were taught through Welsh Medium or taught Bi-lingually. |
The Service would be more than happy to look at a better way of capturing the data which would satisfy Committee Members requirements. |
Delivery was key, throughout the Secondary phase, how many options do learners have at that Key Stage. In addition, would the number of options or choices vary across the Sector and what was the average cohort within a school or class size required to provide that provision within a school. |
In terms of viability it would be great to offer all subjects in all mediums to all learners, yet all tied to budget. The data was available, we have a range from schools offering one sort of qualification to the widest of 6 /7 subjects outside of GCSE. The schools with lower offers may link more with a college. |